Two stage water separation system

Abstract

To provide a water separation device for separating water from a water-containing volume flow such as an air volume flow containing water in the form of water droplets.SOLUTION: A two stage water separation device (1) comprises a water separator housing (2) including a first stage water separation chamber (3) and a second stage water separation chamber (4). The first stage water separation chamber (3) comprises a water-containing volume flow inlet port (8) defining a water-containing volume flow inlet channel (15) for letting the water-containing volume flow into the first stage water separation chamber (3), and the second stage water separation chamber (4) comprises a water-free volume flow outlet port (9) defining a water-free volume flow outlet channel (19) for letting the water-free volume flow out of the second stage water separation chamber (4), wherein a reversal of flow direction from horizontal to vertical occurs between the water-containing volume flow and the water-free volume flow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment relates to a two-stage water separation apparatus comprising a water separator housing including a first-stage water separation chamber and a second-stage water separation chamber, wherein the first-stage water separation chamber includes a water-laden volumetric flow inlet port defining a water-laden volumetric flow inlet passage for allowing a water-laden volumetric flow to enter the first-stage water separation chamber, and the second-stage water separation chamber includes a non-water-laden volumetric flow outlet port defining a non-water-laden volumetric flow outlet passage for allowing a non-water-laden volumetric flow to exit the second-stage water separation chamber, an immersion tube including an immersion tube portion immersed in the second-stage water separation chamber for fluidly connecting the non-water-laden volumetric flow outlet port with the second-stage water separation chamber, a swirl generator assembly including a swirl generator disposed inside the swirl generator housing for fluidly imparting rotational motion to the water-laden volumetric flow between the first-stage water separation chamber and the second-stage water separation chamber, and a water volumetric flow outlet port defining a water volumetric flow outlet passage for discharging separated water from the water separator housing. [Background technology]

[0002] Such two-stage water separators are known in the art. They are typically installed in specific locations in the anode and cathode paths of a fuel cell vehicle. In the anode path, the exhaust gas side is typically considered.

[0003] The exhaust gas side provides a water-laden volumetric stream, typically comprising a volumetric air stream containing water in the form of water droplets. The water-laden volumetric stream enters the two-stage water separation device through a water-laden volumetric stream inlet port. The water-laden volumetric stream then flows through a water-laden volumetric stream inlet passage. It then enters a first-stage water separation chamber.

[0004] After tangential entry into the first-stage water separation chamber, the water droplets in the aqueous volume stream adhere to the interior walls of the first-stage water separation chamber. During this adhesion process, droplets of different sizes coalesce with each other. The larger droplets thus formed are heavier and therefore experience a greater gravitational attraction. This gravitational attraction acts in the downward direction of gravity. Over time, the moisture content of the aqueous volume stream is reduced within the first-stage water separation chamber.

[0005] However, the use of the first-stage water separation chamber may not be sufficient for certain applications. To further increase water separation efficiency, a second-stage water separation chamber is provided, which is fluidly connected to the first-stage water separation chamber by a swirl generator assembly.

[0006] The aqueous volumetric flow, after a horizontal to vertical flow change, flows from the first-stage water separation chamber to the swirl generator assembly. The swirl generator is located inside the swirl generator housing. The swirl generator exerts centrifugal force on the aqueous volumetric flow. Water droplets contained in the aqueous volumetric flow are therefore forced against the inner wall of the swirl generator housing. There, the water droplets adhere and are forced radially outward into the second-stage water separation chamber.

[0007] As a result, the aqueous volume stream separates into an aqueous volume stream and a non-aqueous volume stream. On the one hand, the aqueous volume stream consists of water droplets separated from the aqueous volume stream. It flows inside the aqueous volume stream outlet. The aqueous volume stream outlet guides the aqueous volume stream out of the two-stage water separation device through the aqueous volume stream outlet port. The separated water is partially discharged into the environment of the fuel cell vehicle and partially reused in the fuel cell system. Reuse of the separated water may include use in a cooling system, compressor, or humidifier. On the other hand, the non-aqueous volume stream consists of the remaining volume stream, i.e., typically an air volume stream, that does not contain the water droplets previously present in the aqueous volume stream. It flows from the second-stage water separation chamber to the non-aqueous volume stream outlet. The non-aqueous volume stream outlet guides the non-aqueous volume stream out of the two-stage water separation device through the submerged tube section to the non-aqueous volume stream outlet port. The non-aqueous volume stream is further sent to different components of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0008] However, different fuel cell vehicles may include fuel cell systems of different sizes. Therefore, the two-stage water separator must be adapted to the required size and volume flow of the different fuel cell systems. As a result, the two-stage water separator must be adapted to the different installation spaces in different applications, while at the same time maintaining as consistent water separation performance as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this embodiment is to provide a two-stage water separator that can be adapted to the special installation space in a fuel cell system, so that the water collection area should be located below the lowest point of the entire system, and at the same time, it can provide high separation performance through defined flow diversion.

[0010] This object is achieved in that a two-stage water separation apparatus includes a water separator housing including a first-stage water separation chamber and a second-stage water separation chamber. The first-stage water separation chamber includes a wet volumetric stream inlet port defining a wet volumetric stream inlet passage for allowing a wet volumetric stream to enter the first-stage water separation chamber. The second-stage water separation chamber includes a non-wet volumetric stream outlet port defining a non-wet volumetric stream outlet passage for allowing a non-wet volumetric stream to exit the second-stage water separation chamber, and a reversal of flow direction from horizontal to vertical occurs between the wet volumetric stream and the non-wet volumetric stream. The two-stage water separation apparatus further includes a swirl generator assembly including an immersed tube section immersed in the second-stage water separation chamber for fluidly connecting the non-water-containing volumetric flow outlet port with the second-stage water separation chamber, a swirl generator housing, and a swirl generator disposed within the swirl generator housing for generating a swirl in the water-containing volumetric flow fluidly between the first-stage water separation chamber and the second-stage water separation chamber, and a water volumetric flow outlet port defining a water volumetric flow outlet path for allowing the water volumetric flow to exit the water separator housing. The swirl generator housing includes a conically expanding second-stage deflector section axially aligned and opposing the immersed tube section for deflecting the water-containing volumetric flow.

[0011] The second-stage deflector section may be disposed at an axial end of the swirl generator housing. The second-stage deflector section may extend circumferentially around the swirl generator housing. It may extend completely around the swirl generator housing. The axial extension of the second-stage deflector section may correspond to a direction perpendicular to the installation orientation of the two-stage water separation device. The axial extension of the submerged tube section extends axially aligned with the axial extension of the second-stage deflector section. During operation of the swirl generator, water droplets contained in the aqueous volumetric flow are pressed against the inner wall of the swirl generator housing. They are accelerated toward the second-stage deflector section. As a result, the water droplets contained in the aqueous volumetric flow are deflected radially outward by the conically expanding second-stage deflector section due to their inertia. At the same time, the remaining non-aqueous volumetric flow continues to flow radially inward. The radial direction of the second-stage water deflector section may correspond to a horizontal direction to the installation orientation of the two-stage water separation device. The radial extension of the submerged tube section may extend substantially parallel to the radial extension of the second-stage deflector section. As a result, the water droplets still experience very high acceleration at the edge of the second-stage deflector section on the inner wall of the swirl generator housing. They therefore detach from the edge of the second-stage deflector section and continue to flow inside the second-stage water separation chamber until they impact the inner wall of the second-stage water separation chamber.

[0012] Further advantageous embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

[0013] In one embodiment, the radial extension of the second stage deflector portion exceeds the radial extension of the dip tube portion.

[0014] Because the submerged tube section is axially aligned with the second-stage deflector section, water droplets detached therefrom are deflected radially away from the submerged tube section. The detached water droplets do not enter the submerged tube section; they flow radially past the submerged tube section. The water droplets can adhere to the inner wall of the second-stage water separation chamber and are collected inside the latter. Therefore, the pressure conditions inside the second-stage water separation chamber can generally be optimized, i.e., minimized, improving the overall water separation performance.

[0015] In one embodiment, the swirl generator housing further includes a first stage deflector portion that is conically expanding and disposed in the first stage water separation chamber, the first stage deflector portion being for deflecting the water-containing volumetric flow.

[0016] The first-stage deflector section may be located at an axial end of the swirl generator housing opposite the second-stage deflector section. The first-stage deflector section may extend circumferentially around the swirl generator housing. It may extend the entire circumference of the swirl generator housing. The first-stage deflector section serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, it deflects the water-containing volumetric flow inside the first-stage water separation chamber toward the inner wall of the latter. A water volumetric flow barrier between the first-stage water separation chamber and the interior of the swirl generator housing is thus provided. Water droplets swirling inside the first-stage water separation chamber strike the first-stage deflector section and are deflected back into the first-stage water separation chamber, thereby preventing them from entering the interior space of the first-stage water separation chamber. They may then adhere to the inner wall of the first-stage water separation chamber. There, they may coalesce with other water droplets to form larger water droplets that remain separated from the water-containing volumetric flow. This improves water separation performance. On the other hand, the first-stage deflector section also has a conical widening, providing a smooth contour. The first-stage deflector section widens conically in the direction away from the second-stage deflector section. The smooth contour of the conically widening first-stage deflector section creates optimized flow conditions at the inlet opening. Any remaining water droplets are therefore sucked into the swirl generator assembly and sent to the second stage together with the downstream water-containing volumetric flow. This improves water separation performance.

[0017] In one embodiment, the axial extension of the swirl generator corresponds to at least one-half the axial extension of the swirl generator housing.

[0018] The swirl generator is therefore relatively small compared to the swirl generator housing. This reduces the overall package size of the two-stage water separation device, allowing it to be installed in a small installation space. Furthermore, the relatively small swirl generator can contribute to reducing the pressure loss of the volumetric flow within the two-stage water separation device. In this embodiment, the relatively large distance between the swirl generator and the second-stage deflector section provides more time for water droplets to come into contact with the inner wall of the swirl generator housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water volume flow outlet comprises a first stage water volume flow outlet that is fluidly and / or spatially separated from a second stage water volume flow outlet.

[0020] The provision of a first-stage water volumetric flow outlet and a separate second-stage water volumetric flow outlet is advantageous in terms of the internal pressure conditions of a two-stage water separation device. Generally, the first-stage water separation chamber and the second-stage water separation chamber have different pressure levels. The pressure level in the first-stage water separation chamber is typically higher than the pressure level in the second-stage water separation chamber. Therefore, there is a risk of parasitic volumetric flow forming between the first-stage water separation chamber and the second-stage water separation chamber. This parasitic volumetric flow can swirl and entrain water droplets, reducing overall water separation performance. To avoid such parasitic volumetric flow, the first-stage water volumetric flow outlet and the second-stage water volumetric flow outlet are fluidically and / or spatially separated.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water separator housing further comprises a throttling element fluidly separating the first stage water separation chamber from the second stage water separation chamber by fluidly connecting the lowest point of the first stage water separation chamber with the second stage water volume flow outlet passage.

[0022] In this way, the first-stage water volume flow outlet is fluidly isolated from the second-stage water volume flow outlet. Parasitic volume flow between the first-stage water volume flow outlet and the second-stage water volume flow outlet is avoided. However, to allow sufficient drainage of the first-stage water separation chamber and the second-stage water separation chamber, a throttle element is provided. The throttle element may comprise a defined throttle hole connecting the first-stage water collection area and the second-stage water volume flow outlet.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water volume flow outlet port is arranged as a common water volume flow outlet port for the first stage water separation chamber and the second stage water separation chamber.

[0024] In this way, the package size of the two-stage water separator can be reduced. The single water volume flow outlet port simplifies the design and construction. The two-stage water separator makes optimal use of the available installation space. The required installation space can be minimized while increasing the water separation performance.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first stage water volume flow outlet is spatially separated from the second stage water volume flow outlet in that the water volume flow outlet port comprises a first stage water volume flow outlet port that is spatially separated from the second stage water volume flow outlet port.

[0026] In this way, the first-stage water volume flow outlet is also isolated from the second-stage water volume flow outlet. However, in this embodiment, separation is achieved by spatial separation. Parasitic volume flow between the first-stage water volume flow outlet and the second-stage water volume flow outlet is therefore also avoided. However, to allow sufficient drainage of the first-stage water separation chamber and the second-stage water separation chamber, a water volume flow outlet port is provided in each water separation chamber. The first-stage water volume flow outlet port drains the first-stage water separation chamber. The second-stage water volume flow outlet port drains the second-stage water separation chamber.

[0027] In one embodiment, the inlet channel diameter of the wet bulk stream inlet channel increases in a direction toward the first stage water separation chamber to reduce the flow velocity of the wet bulk stream.

[0028] A two-stage water separation device is provided in which the flow velocity of the aqueous volumetric stream is reduced as it enters the first-stage water separation chamber. To this end, the diameter of the inlet passage increases in a direction toward the first-stage water separation chamber. The increase may be, for example, conical. The increase may begin at the end of the aqueous volumetric stream inlet passage on the aqueous volumetric stream inlet port side. The increase may end when the aqueous volumetric stream inlet passage reaches the first-stage water separation chamber. The reduction in flow velocity results in a more uniform distribution of water droplets contained in the aqueous volumetric stream within the first-stage water separation chamber. This can improve water separation performance.

[0029] In one embodiment, the axis of the aqueous bulk flow inlet channel is offset laterally relative to the axis of the water separator housing to create a tangential inlet.

[0030] In one embodiment, the radial extension of the swirl generator housing corresponds to at least one-half, preferably at least two-thirds, of the radial extension of the first stage water separation chamber.

[0031] The radial extension of the swirl generator housing is therefore dimensioned to be relatively large compared to the radial extension of the first stage water separation chamber. As a result, the flow velocity of the aqueous volumetric stream at the inlet of the swirl generator housing is reduced. This is considered advantageous. The amount of water droplets that can still be entrained in the aqueous volumetric stream near the water collection region is reduced as the flow velocity of the aqueous volumetric stream decreases upon entering the swirl generator housing. Water separation performance is improved.

[0032] Further advantages can be seen in the following description of the drawings, which show examples of embodiments. The drawings, description, and claims include a number of features that are combined. Those skilled in the art will conveniently consider the features individually and combine them to form further useful combinations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of a two-stage water separation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a top view of the two-stage water separator of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the two-stage water separator taken along line II' in FIG. 1B. [Figure 1D] 1C, showing a cross-sectional view of the two-stage water separator along line II-II'. [Figure 1E] 1C taken along line III-III' shows a plan view of the two-stage water separator. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a perspective view of another two-stage water separation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a top view of the alternative two-stage water separator of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another two-stage water separator taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 2B. [Figure 2D] 2D shows a cross-sectional view of another two-stage water separator taken along line VV' in FIG. 2C. [Figure 2E] 6 shows a plan view of another two-stage water separator taken along line VI-VI' in FIG. 2C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] These figures are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0035] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a two-stage water separation device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B shows a top view of the two-stage water separation device 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the two-stage water separation device 1 taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1B. FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view of the two-stage water separation device 1 taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1C. FIG. 1E shows a plan view of the two-stage water separation device 1 taken along line III-III' of FIG. 1C.

[0036] 1A-1E, the two-stage water separation apparatus 1 includes a water separator housing 2. The water separator housing 2 includes a first-stage water separation chamber 3 and a second-stage water separation chamber 4. A dip tube 5 is disposed coaxially with the central axis 6 of the water separator housing 2. The dip tube 5 includes a dip tube portion 7 immersed within the second-stage water separation chamber 4. The water separator housing 2 further includes an aqueous volumetric flow inlet port 8 and an aqueous volumetric flow outlet port 9. A water volumetric flow outlet port 10 is also provided. The two-stage water separation apparatus 1 also includes a swirl generator assembly 11. The swirl generator assembly 11 includes a swirl generator housing 12. The swirl generator housing 12 extends through the first-stage water separation chamber 3 to the second-stage water separation chamber 4, thereby fluidly connecting the two water separation chambers. A swirl generator 13 is disposed within the swirl generator housing 12. The swirl generator 13 includes a plurality of vanes 14 arranged circumferentially around the central axis 6 .

[0037] Such a two-stage water separation device 1 is typically used in fuel cell vehicles. In such applications, the exhaust air side of the anode path is primarily considered. This exhaust air side generally provides a water-laden volumetric stream. The water-laden volumetric stream typically includes a volumetric air stream containing water in the form of water droplets. The water-laden volumetric stream enters the two-stage water separation device 1 via the water-laden volumetric stream inlet port 8. It then flows through the water-laden volumetric stream inlet channel 15. The water-laden volumetric stream inlet channel 15 is shown to be conically tapered. The inlet diameter of the water-laden volumetric stream inlet channel 15 increases in the direction toward the first-stage water separation chamber 3. The inlet diameter extends in the axial direction of the swirl generator housing 12, i.e., obliquely to the central axis 6. The inlet diameter reaches its maximum extent at the opening to the first-stage water separation chamber 3.

[0038] As the inlet diameter increases, the flow velocity of the water-containing volumetric stream through the water-containing volumetric stream inlet 15 decreases. This slowdown in the water-containing volumetric stream results in a more uniform distribution of water droplets contained in the water-containing volumetric stream within the first-stage water separation chamber 3. Inside the first-stage water separation chamber 3, the water droplets in the water-containing volumetric stream then adhere to the inner walls of the first-stage water separation chamber 3. During this adhesion process, water droplets of different sizes coalesce with each other. The larger water droplets thus formed are heavier and therefore experience a greater gravitational attraction. This gravitational attraction acts in a direction toward the inclined bottom of the first-stage water separation chamber 3.

[0039] Over time, moisture from the aqueous volumetric stream accumulates on the sloping bottom surface of the first-stage water separation chamber 3. This creates a water volumetric stream inside the first-stage water separation chamber 3. This water volumetric stream exits the first-stage water separation chamber 3 via throttle element 16 and enters the water volumetric stream outlet 17. However, the remaining volumetric stream may still contain a significant amount of water droplets, such as those present in the aqueous volumetric stream.

[0040] Thus, the second stage of the two-stage water separation device 1 is provided. After a change of direction from horizontal to vertical from the first-stage water separation chamber 3 to the second-stage water separation chamber 4, the water flows through the swirl generator 13. This generates a swirling flow of the aqueous volumetric stream inside the swirl generator housing 12. As a result, centrifugal forces acting on the water droplets in the aqueous volumetric stream create a water film on the inner wall of the swirl generator housing 12. This water film is accelerated in an axial direction parallel to the central axis 6, toward the submerged tube section 7.

[0041] A second-stage deflector section 18 is provided at the axial end of the swirl generator housing 12 opposite the submerged tube section 7. The second-stage deflector section 18 expands conically toward the submerged tube section 7. The radial diameter of the second-stage deflector section 18 is larger than the radial diameter of the submerged tube section 7. The second-stage deflector section 18 extends circumferentially around the swirl generator housing 12. It extends around the entire circumference of the swirl generator housing 12. Therefore, the water film on the inner wall of the swirl generator housing 12 separates at the edge of the second-stage deflector section 18. It flows past the edge of the submerged tube section 7 and enters the second-stage water separation chamber 4. There, water droplets from the water film adhere to the inner wall of the second-stage water separation chamber 4 and are pulled toward its inclined bottom by gravity. They enter the water volume flow outlet 17 and are discharged through the water volume flow outlet port 10.

[0042] As a result, the volumetric flow is stripped of water droplets and constitutes a non-water-containing volumetric flow, i.e., typically an air volumetric flow, which flows through the non-water-containing volumetric flow outlet 19. The non-water-containing volumetric flow outlet 19 allows the non-water-containing volumetric flow to exit the two-stage water separation device 1 through the submerged tube section 7 to the non-water-containing volumetric flow outlet port 9.

[0043] FIG. 1C shows an embodiment in which the first-stage deflector section 20 is disposed at the axial end of the swirl generator housing 12 facing the first-stage water separation chamber 3. The first-stage deflector section 20 extends in the circumferential direction of the swirl generator housing 12. It extends around the entire circumference of the swirl generator housing 12. The first-stage deflector section 20 serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, it deflects the water-containing volumetric flow inside the first-stage water separation chamber 3 toward the inner wall of the latter. A water volumetric flow barrier between the first-stage water separation chamber 3 and the interior of the swirl generator housing 12 is thus provided. Water droplets swirling inside the first-stage water separation chamber 3 hit the first-stage deflector section 20 and are deflected back into the first-stage water separation chamber 3, thereby preventing them from entering the interior space of the first-stage water separation chamber. They may then adhere to the inner wall of the first-stage water separation chamber 3. There, they coalesce with other water droplets to form larger water droplets, which remain separated from the aqueous volumetric flow. This improves water separation performance. On the other hand, the first-stage deflector section 20 also widens conically, providing a smooth contour. The first-stage deflector section 20 widens conically in the direction away from the second-stage deflector section 18. The smooth contour of the conically widening first-stage deflector section 20 creates optimized flow conditions at the inlet opening. The remaining water droplets are therefore sucked into the swirl generator assembly 11 and sent to the second stage together with the downstream aqueous volumetric flow. This improves water separation performance.

[0044] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of another two-stage water separator 1' according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B shows a top view of the another two-stage water separator 1' of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the another two-stage water separator 1' along line IV-IV' of FIG. 2B. FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the another two-stage water separator 1' along line V-V' of FIG. 2C. FIG. 2E shows a plan view of the another two-stage water separator 1' along line VI-VI' of FIG. 2C. Like reference numerals indicate like features.

[0045] 2A-2E, the throttle element 16 fluidly connecting the water collection area of ​​the first-stage water separation chamber 3 with the water volume flow outlet 17 has been replaced with a first-stage water volume flow outlet port 21. The first-stage water volume flow outlet port 21 discharges the water volume flow from the first-stage water separation chamber 3. In one embodiment, the water volume flow outlet port 10 acts as a second-stage water volume flow outlet port 22. The second-stage water volume flow outlet port 22 discharges the water volume flow from the second-stage water separation chamber 4. The first-stage water volume flow outlet port 21 and the second-stage water volume flow outlet port 22 are spatially separated. In comparison, the throttle element 16 in the embodiment of FIG. 1C served as a fluid separation between the first-stage water separation chamber 3 and the second-stage water separation chamber 4.

[0046] Such fluid or spatial separation between the first-stage water separation chamber 3 and the second-stage water separation chamber 4 is necessary in view of the pressure conditions inside the two-stage water separation device 1'. Generally, the first-stage water separation chamber 3 and the second-stage water separation chamber 4 have different pressure levels. The pressure level in the first-stage water separation chamber 3 is typically higher than the pressure level in the second-stage water separation chamber 4. Therefore, there is a risk of parasitic volumetric flow forming between the first-stage water separation chamber 3 and the second-stage water separation chamber 4. This parasitic volumetric flow can swirl and entrain water droplets, reducing the overall water separation performance.

[0047] To avoid such parasitic volumetric flows, the first-stage water separation chamber 3 and the second-stage water separation chamber 4 are fluidically and / or spatially separated. This is achieved by a throttle element 16 or by first-stage water volumetric flow outlet port 21 and second-stage water volumetric flow outlet port 22. First-stage water volumetric flow outlet port 21 thereby defines first-stage water volumetric flow outlet channel 23. Second-stage water volumetric flow outlet port 22 thereby defines second-stage water volumetric flow outlet channel 24, which corresponds to water volumetric flow outlet channel 17 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1C and 1D. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Two-stage water separation system 2 Water separator housing 3 First stage water separation chamber 4 Second stage water separation chamber 5. Immersion tube 6. Central axis 7 Immersion tube section 8. Water-bearing volume flow into port 9. Non-aqueous volumetric flow into port 10. Water volume flow into port 11 Swirl flow generator Agarin 12 gyration flow generator ハウジング 13. Swirling Flow Generator 14 ベーン 15. Water-bearing volumetric flow into the channel 16 twist elements 17. Water volume flow outflow path 18 Section 2 Furuikabu 19. Non-aqueous volumetric flow outlet 20 Section 1 Furuikabu 21. Section 1 water volume flow into port 22. Section 2 water volume flow into port. 23 Section 1 Water Volume Flow Outflow Path 24. Section 2 water volume flow outflow path

Claims

1. A two-stage water separator (1; 1'), a water separator housing (2) including a first stage water separation chamber (3) and a second stage water separation chamber (4); the first-stage water separation chamber (3) comprises a water-containing volumetric flow inlet port (8) defining a water-containing volumetric flow inlet passage (15) for allowing a water-containing volumetric flow to enter the first-stage water separation chamber (3); the second-stage water separation chamber (4) includes a non-water-containing volumetric stream outlet port (9) defining a non-water-containing volumetric stream outlet path (19) for allowing the non-water-containing volumetric stream to exit the second-stage water separation chamber (4), wherein a reversal of flow direction from horizontal to vertical occurs between the water-containing volumetric stream and the non-water-containing volumetric stream; The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') a dip tube (5) including a dip tube portion (7) immersed in the second stage water separation chamber (4) for fluidly connecting the non-water-containing volumetric flow outlet port (9) with the second stage water separation chamber (4); a swirl generator assembly (11) including a swirl generator housing (12) and a swirl generator (13) disposed inside the swirl generator housing (12), the swirl generator (13) for generating a swirl flow in the water-containing volumetric flow fluidically between the first-stage water separation chamber (3) and the second-stage water separation chamber (4); a water volume flow outlet port (10; 21, 22) defining a water volume flow outlet passage (17; 23, 24) for allowing the water volume flow to exit the water separator housing (2); the swirl generator housing (12) includes a conically expanding second stage deflector section (18) axially aligned and facing the submerged tube section (7), the second stage deflector section (18) for deflecting the water-containing volumetric flow; A two-stage water separator, wherein the radial extension of the second stage deflector portion (18) exceeds the radial extension of the dip tube portion (7).

2. 2. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') of claim 1, wherein the swirl generator housing (12) further includes a first-stage deflector portion (20) that is conically widened and disposed in the first-stage water separation chamber (3), the first-stage deflector portion (20) being for deflecting the water-containing volumetric flow.

3. 2. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') according to claim 1, wherein the axial extension of the swirl generator (11) corresponds to at most half the axial extension of the swirl generator housing (12).

4. 2. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') of claim 1, wherein the water volume flow outlet (17; 23, 24) comprises a first-stage water volume flow outlet (23) that is fluidly and / or spatially separated from a second-stage water volume flow outlet (24).

5. 5. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') of claim 4, wherein the first-stage water volume flow outlet (23) is spatially separated from the second-stage water volume flow outlet (24) in that the water volume flow outlet ports (10; 21, 22) include a first-stage water volume flow outlet port (21) that is spatially separated from a second-stage water volume flow outlet port (22).

6. 6. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') of claim 5, wherein the water separator housing (2) further comprises a throttle element (16) fluidically separating the first-stage water separation chamber (3) from the second-stage water separation chamber (4) by fluidly connecting the lowest point of the first-stage water separation chamber (3) with the second-stage water volume flow outlet (24).

7. 7. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') according to claim 6, wherein the water volume flow outlet port (10; 21, 22) is arranged as a common water volume flow outlet port (10) for the first stage water separation chamber (3) and the second stage water separation chamber (4).

8. 2. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the water-containing volumetric flow inlet (15) increases in a direction toward the first-stage water separation chamber (3) to reduce the flow velocity of the water-containing volumetric flow.

9. 2. The two-stage water separation device (1; 1') according to claim 1, wherein the axis of the aqueous volumetric flow inlet (15) is laterally offset relative to the axis of the water separator housing (2) to create a tangential inlet.

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